Supply-chain security is a shared responsibility, yet the respective roles of shippers and their logistics partners are not always clearly understood. While shippers make critical decisions about supplier selection, routing, cost and service requirements, third-party logistics providers (3PLs) and freight forwarders manage many of the physical movements, cargo handovers, subcontracting arrangements and information flows on which secure supply chains depend. Vulnerabilities can arise at any of these interfaces, particularly when commercial pressures, fragmented visibility and unclear accountability undermine established security controls.
This panel brings together shipper and logistics-provider perspectives to examine where supply-chain security gaps emerge, how responsibilities should be shared, and what happens when controls fail. The discussion will explore how shippers can better assess and manage risk across their logistics networks, how 3PLs and freight forwarders can strengthen security beyond their immediate operations, and how both parties can work together to address vulnerabilities involving cargo integrity, subcontractors, data, shipment visibility and operational handovers.
Ultimately, the question is not simply who is responsible for supply-chain security, but whether shippers and their logistics partners are working together effectively to identify vulnerabilities, close gaps and protect cargo and business continuity.
